Like other Android powered smartphones, the Galaxy Grand Duos can now be updated to Google's newest and latest Android version, although unofficially.

Recognised XDA developer, pawitp has released an early CyanogenMod 12 build featuring Android 5.0 Lollipop for the 1st generation Galaxy Grand Duos (GT-I9082 and GT-I9082L), which is still on older Android version 4.2.2.

There are a number of bugs in this alpha build, but these are expected to be fixed during the course of development.

A few things to take note of: this custom release does not work with stock Android 4.1 devices, hence upgrade your device to Android 4.2 before flashing the ROM. Also, your device should have the latest version of CWM recovery since older version will give 'Status 7' error. Check out the functioning and non-functioning features in this ROM.

Working features

Wi-Fi

Bluetooth

RIL (Calls, SMS, Mobile Data)

Dual SIM

Sensors (Accelerometer, Compass, Light, Proximity, etc.)

Camera (photo)

Video playback

Audio (playback & recording)

GPS

Everything else not listed under known issues

Known issues

Screenrecord does not work

FM Radio does not work

Sometimes wake up causes music stutter

Wi-Fi HAL (i.e. Scanning MAC Address Randomisation) not implemented

Sim Tool Kit (STK) not fully working

Camera app sometimes crashes on close

Unable to un-pin screen without rebooting

Some users have reported issues with call audio

Random low video recording volume

Launcher shortcut of apps moved to SD might disappear (this is a launcher issue. You may be able to switch to a third-party launcher which does not have this problem.)

Swipe-typing and face unlock are not ROM issues. They need the proper libraries from Google Apps

Does not work on 4.1 stock ROM's bootloader, upgrade to 4.2 before flashing

Fixed voice note in WhatsApp, SIM PIN, incoming call crash, 2G/3G selection in non-English languages. SELinux is now in enforcing mode (you may need to wipe if you have ever used a custom kernel with SELinux disabled)

Fixed unable to select 2G/3G, "Carrier Settings" FC, FC when dual SIM disabled, sometimes not able to set APNs, low Wi-Fi download performance when screen off

If you wish to run Android 5.0 on your Galaxy Grand Duos using the alpha CyanogenMod build, check out the following installation guide.

Points to remember

As the tutorial might wipe out all the data of the phone, create a backup using custom recovery

Enable USB Debugging Mode on the phone to connect it with the computer and use Android SDK with it. [Go to Settings>> About phone. Scroll down to Build number, Tap seven times on the build number. The Developer options under Settings should appear now. You can now enable USB debugging mode.]

The Galaxy Grand Duos should have above 80% of battery charge to avoid unusual shut down due to lack of battery, which could damage the device.

The phone should be rooted and have the latest version of recovery installed. [Latest custom recovery links:1/2]. Older CWM recovery will give Status 7 error.

The unofficial CyanogenMod 12 ROMs based on Android 5.0 work with Galaxy Grand Duos GT-I9082/I9082L. Applying these on any incorrect variant might brick the device. Verify the model number of the smartphone by navigating to Settings>> About phone>> Model number and install firmware based on the mode number of the device.

Since the custom build is still in its alpha stage, bugs are highly likely and it cannot be installed as a daily driver.

IBTimesUK will not be held liable for any damage to the device. Installation will be at your own risk.

Step-7: Go to the main recovery menu and select install zip from sdcard then choose zip from sdcard. Using the Volume rockers head over to Lollipop ROM zip, which was copied to the phone's SD card. Select it using the Power button and confirm installation on the next screen

Step-8: When the ROM is installed, repeat the procedure to flash the Gapps file

Step-9: After the installation process is completed, reboot phone by selecting reboot system now from the recovery menu